Methods: A double blind randomized controlled trial with a one-year follow-up between May 2006 and January 2008.

The trial was conducted in two teaching hospitals in The Netherlands.

100 patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis were randomly assigned in the PRP group (n=51) or in the corticosteroid group (n=49). Randomization and allocation to the trial group were carried out by a central computer system.

Patients were randomized to receive either a corticosteroid injection or an autologous platelet concentrate injection through a peppering needling technique.

The primary analysis included VAS and DASH scores.

Results and conclusions: Successful treatment was defined as more than a 25% reduction in VAS or DASH score without a reintervention after 1 year. The results showed that 24 of the 49 patients (49%) in the corticosteroid group and 37 of the 51 patients (73%) in the PRP group were defined as successful with the VAS score, which was significantly different (P<0,001). 25 of the 49 patients (51%) in the corticosteroid group and 37 of the 51 patients (73%) patients in the PRP group were defined as successful with the DASH, which was also significantly different (P=0,005). The corticosteroid group was actually better initially and then declined, while the PRP group progressively improved.

Treatment of patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis with PRP reduces pain and increases function significantly, exceeding the effect of corticosteroid injection. Future decisions for application of the PRP for lateral epicondylitis should be confirmed by further follow-up from this trial and should take into account possible costs and harms as well as benefits.